Two North Batinah schools join Shell’s ‘Solar in Schools’ project

MUSCAT, SEPT 11 – Shell Development Oman continues to power the Sultanate with renewable energy with the addition of two new schools as part of its “Solar into Schools” programme, bringing the total number to five. Using the first of its kind, bifacial solar photo-voltaic (PV) panels, Al Asmaa bint Al Harith, an all-girls school and Kaab bin Barsha, a boys school in the North Batinah Governorate are now operating using solar energy. As part of its gift to the nation, Shell Development Oman helps schools meet their power demands and evokes curiosity in renewables amongst the younger generation.
“Solar into schools not only makes the schools eco-friendly but helps reduce operating costs. It provides them with a long-lasting source of energy that will power them for generations to come,” said Muna al Shukaili, General Manager, External Relation & SI lead at Shell Development Oman.
“It also gives us a wonderful opportunity to provide local SMEs with a platform for training, coaching and funnelling new business collaborations. As a result, we are contributing to the growth of the solar industry, raising awareness on energy transition among schoolchildren and the community at large, and diversifying of the economy. A win for all.”
Installations were carried out by a local SME, Hussam Technology Company’s (HTC) DCRP-accredited solar engineers. The company broke ground by introducing the first bifacial solar panels in Oman, which are more efficient. The panels of all solar schools were also connected to the electricity grid to ensure that no excess power generated would go to waste.
Dr Firas al Abduwani, CEO of Hussam Technology Company said, “Our most recent installation of solar panels into yet another school marks a new milestone using the first bifacial solar PV panels in Oman. As a growing SME, we are creating a long-lasting investment within the Sultanate through solar energy together with Shell Development Oman.”
Placing youth development as one of its top priorities, Shell Development Oman remains committed to promoting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) across the Sultanate. The company will soon introduce NXplorers, an innovative educational programme that aims to build awareness, develop knowledge, provide thinking tools and complex problem solving skills to the leaders of the future in the Food-Water-Energy nexus. NXplorers will complement the existing “Solar into Schools” programme by providing an unparalleled learning experience that revolves around tackling real life challenges.
Al Shukaili added, “Solar into Schools is a positive catalyst for the renewable energy sector and energy transition in the Sultanate. We are working hard to fulfil Shell’s purpose of powering progress together by providing more cleaner energy solutions.